The 2015 peak month for the poor started in Hanoi on October 16, calling on the whole country to help eradicate poverty. At the launch, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh, who is also the head of the Central Steering Committee for Sustainable Poverty Reduction, said poverty elimination was one of the Party’s and State’s major focuses, and an important foundation for ensuring political stability, defence and socio-economic development. Synchronous mechanisms and policies, along with aid for building homes, farmland, health care, education and vocational training, have been put in place to help low-income earners escape poverty in a sustainable manner. He noted that Vietnam slashed the rate of impoverished households from 58 percent in 1993 to 5.97 percent by late 2014, becoming an outstanding example of poverty eradication as recognised by the UN and the international community. Notably, the Vietnam Fatherland Front has conducted various effective programmes, including the “Day for the Poor” campaign held during the last 15 years. Meanwhile, the Fund for the Poor has financed the construction of millions of houses for the targeted group, along with their production activities, health care and educational expenses. Ninh underscored an array of challenges facing Vietnam as it rapidly and sustainably reduces poverty, especially amid international integration. He voiced his hope for practical material and spiritual support from citizens, expatriates, enterprises, agencies and armed forces to assist poverty-stricken people. Initial data show that during the first nine months of 2015, more than 572 billion VND (25.67 million USD) was donated to the Fund for the Poor, helping the fund build and repair nearly 19,600 houses for low-income earners, assisting some 204,800 deprived families with agricultural activities, and providing medical check-ups and examinations to more than 1.5 million people.-VNA